Gryphon Diablo 300: at the top of Integrated Amps?

@greginnh 

I heard the AX-5 Twenty with Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT and QX-5 digital hub just recently in Santa Monica. Decent, but to me, not shockingly great at all. I know some really love this combo, but for me it lacked resolution and bandwidth; it was a little sharp and had no real snap or sparkle and that's not for me. I do respect others find it attractive though.

@inna 

Yes, Charles Hansen passed on very recently. RIP and God bless his family.

pokey77, while it's impossible not to do it to a degree I will try to minimize the reaction to what I am about to say by putting it in a subtle way. Top level solid state designs come from Europe. Tube electronics is another matter. 

@inna 

Much appreciated. I do appreciate your insight as well.

Here is a new, at least to me, page on the Diablo 300. Enjoy....

http://www.gryphon-audio.dk/products/integrated-amplifiers/diablo-300.aspx

@inna,

I am not sure what relevance the passing of Charlie has on the future of Ayre.   His designs live on as will the company IMO.

D1000 is a one way street - you WON'T be coming back!

That said, the Aavik U300 has swayed a handful of devotees.

One you've tried the truly high end super integrated - saved thousands on cables and found one power cord,  a pair of speaker cables and your favorite transducers is it. All in, done!